Australia Dominates Day Four of Durban Test Against South Africa

On Day Four of the Durban Test, Australia established a strong position against South Africa, needing only six wickets for victory. After a solid start, aggressive batting from players like Renshaw and Cummins propelled Australia to a commanding lead. South Africa struggled in their chase, ending the day at 102/4. With a daunting target of 421 runs, the final day promises to be thrilling as both teams vie for victory. Will Australia secure the win, or can South Africa mount a comeback? Read on for all the details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 12, 2026, 23:25 IST

Australia Takes Control in Durban Test

At the conclusion of Day Four, Australia solidified their position in the Durban Test against South Africa, now requiring just six wickets to secure a 1-0 lead in the three-match ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series.

Aggressive Start by Australia

Beginning the day at 33/0 after play was halted due to poor light on Day Three, Australia adopted an assertive strategy. Travis Head was the first to be dismissed, scoring 11 runs off 18 balls before misplaying a shot off Marco Jansen, resulting in a catch for Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, leaving the score at 43/1.

Counter-Attack from Maddinson

Nic Maddinson countered with a swift 48 runs from just 38 balls, including six fours and two sixes. However, just as he seemed set for his first Test half-century, Anrich Nortje bowled him out with a precise yorker, reducing Australia to 72/2.

Middle Order Stabilizes the Innings

Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith then stabilized the innings, forming a solid 53-run partnership that put Australia in a strong position. Smith appeared in good form, hitting three boundaries and a six off Simon Harmer, but fell for 27 while attempting another big shot, caught by Marco Jansen.

Labuschagne soon followed, scoring 37 runs off 58 balls before edging Keshav Maharaj to Bavuma, leaving Australia at 174/4 at lunch.

Renshaw and Cummins Propel Australia Forward

After the break, first-innings centurion Matt Renshaw anchored the lower order with poise. Continuing his excellent form from the first innings where he scored 190, Renshaw reached another half-century, scoring 82 runs off 99 balls with seven fours and two sixes.

His innings ended when Maharaj executed a sharp caught-and-bowled at 270/6. Alex Carey contributed a useful 24 runs before being dismissed by Nortje.

With a lead exceeding 350, captain Pat Cummins joined Beau Webster and launched a fierce late assault. Cummins scored an explosive 32 runs off just 12 balls, including four massive sixes, while Webster supported him with an unbeaten 39 runs off 43 balls. Cummins declared at 314/6, giving Australia a commanding lead of 420.

South Africa Struggles in the Chase

Facing a daunting target of 421 runs in the final session, South Africa faced a challenging evening against the Australian pace attack. Josh Hazlewood struck early, dismissing Ryan Rickelton for 2 runs, leaving South Africa at 7/1.

David Bedingham managed a fluent 46 runs off 68 balls, hitting eight boundaries before being trapped LBW by Hazlewood.

The pressure intensified as Matt Renshaw claimed his first Test wicket, dismissing captain Temba Bavuma for just 1 run, caught by Nic Maddinson, leaving the hosts at 81/3.

Shortly after, Cummins induced an edge from Tristan Stubbs (1), caught by Carey, reducing South Africa to 99/4.

Despite the falling wickets, opener Aiden Markram showed resilience, remaining unbeaten on 45 runs off 115 balls. When play was halted after 41 overs due to fading light, South Africa ended the day at 102/4, still needing 319 runs with six wickets remaining.